Killer Dad: Husband, Father, Murderer

by Robert Scott

1st edition Pinnacle 2007 paperback, vg In stock shipped from our UK warehouse

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Robert Scott was an investigative journalist and crime expert.

Reviews

[Ceeceereads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an intriguing true crime read, yet it did have some flaws. The case was very interesting, a missing mother and six-year-old child and left behind, a pool of blood. The book opens with the 911 call script from a distraught husband and father. The story then unfolded much as the investigation did. For the most part this account was compelling. Towards the end, it stalled, unable to offer any insight into the psychology, the domestic situation, or what actually may have transpired as well as the potentially abusive and controlling situation Jennifer and Abby were in. If I were to compare it to to If I Can’t Have You (the Susan Powell-Cox case) and The Perfect Father (Shanann Watts), it lacked a complexity and a deeper exploration into the character of someone who could commit a betrayal so heinous. I was left with more questions than answers.

[Carolyn M L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superbly written account of this story. The author was factual and presented the background and the case very well.

[Meaghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book because I have Abby Blagg, whose body was never found, featured on my missing persons website The Charley Project. I was hoping I would get additional information about her disappearance and her mother's murder. But the book turned out to be a complete waste of time and money for me.

There was nothing in there that couldn't be found in newspaper coverage of the disappearances and Michael's trial. Scott just rehashed the info from the police and trial reports. He included no analysis of his own and I didn't see any evidence that he interviewed any of the principals involved in the story.

I'm not giving this a one-star rating because it is an accurate account and I suppose it's complete, as far as information goes. But I want more than just regurgitations of court documents in my true crime books. I want the author to tell a story, and that didn't happen here.

[Ronnie Cramer · Rating 2 out of 5]

An average true crime book. A man in Grand Junction, Colorado reports his wife and daughter missing. The wife's body is later found in a landfill. Hmmm. This case was also examined in 2008's TAKEN FROM HOME by Eric Francis.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the true story of the disappearance and presumed murders of Jennifer and Abby Blagg. After a long day at work, Michael Blagg returned to his home to find his wife and daughter inexplicably gone, leaving a pool of blood in the master bedroom, keys on the floor and valuables scattered throughout the house. Yet Michael Blagg had an alibi for the day because he was at work. This is the story of Jennifer and Abby Blagg, their strange disappearance and their presumed murders. This is a really fast-paced story that moves along at a good clip. I like reading true-crime books and this is a good case.

[Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of the most ridiculous crime stories I've ever read! The evidence was all circumstantial...and there wasn't a motive for the crime. The book was as boring as dishwater...I don't think I'll be reading any more true crime novels by this author. This book reminds me of the Scott Peterson case...no solid evidence at all. Total bullshit hyped up by the media.

[Kayla Krystine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely detailed and objective.

[Mrs Heather Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the first half of the book but found he second half a bit long winded and that's the reason I gave it only 3 stars.

[Joli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author presents information in an easy to understand way without filler. I only wish I was able to finish the last 80 pages the same day I read most of the rest of it!

[Rissy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book with the tagline "Husband. Father. Murderer"

I was not thrilled with the conclusion of this book, as it is a true story of a true crime it can not be neatly wrapped up and solved. I also am not that happy with crime/documentary/true story books that pretty much tell you everything about the case at the start and then finish up the ending with the trial that only repeats what has already been stated.

I feel as though you can only judge the crime itself when it comes to reads such as this, so my opinion would be.. tragic story, and I feel not at all at peace with the ending. The writing style is, in my opinion, typical of a lot of these written based on true happenings and again I do not like the set up of the book when the court proceedings and witnesses that speak and all the evidence has already been brought forth and talked about at the start. I feel like you could just as well close the book in the middle before the trail starts and you've read it at that point to 'the end'.

[Jessica B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first go at a true crime novel. I've read alot of articles and decided it was time to see what they were like. I enjoyed the read very much. I felt like the author did an incredible job portraying the facts for me. He never once stated his opinion of guilt of innocence, he let me try to figure out my own opinion along the way.

In fact I'm not even sure if I've come up with my opinion on Michael Blagg's guilt. However I do know it won't be the last true crime book I enjoy...

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book left me wondering at the end, because sometimes with true crime, you don't have definite, concrete answers. As far as I know, no one has ever found any evidence as to what happened to little Abby.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty crazy stuff

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read at the beginning but then it got boring. Because it was a true story/court case type book, it leaves you wondering because there was a part that unsolved.